Our CHAINMASTER products are often referred to as “invisible heroes” because they form the basis for impressive projects. But who are the real invisible heroes responsible for the skillful use of our products? In the third part of the blog series, we introduce you to another CHAINMASTER enthusiast. We interviewed, Jorge Reis a motors technician at Neg Earth Lights, and asked him 10 questions that let us take a look behind the scenes.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Inclusive, caring, and committed.
How did you end up working in the live events industry? I came to England, did school, and later pursued a business degree with a focus on business analytics. However, it wasn’t quite the right fit for me. My mum had already been working in the live events industry at Neg, and when an opportunity came up, Neg took me in. That’s how I ended up in the industry, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s been a great journey, and I really enjoy what I do.
Tell us more about your company – Neg Earth Lights: Neg Earth Lights was founded in 1983 by Pip and Dave Ridgway. We’re a leading supplier of lighting and rigging equipment, specialising in live events. We provide high-end equipment, including lights, cables, and motors, with a focus on quality and practicality for top-tier clients. The company is fantastic to work for, and not only is it a large organisation, but the people here are incredible. Pip and Dave genuinely take care of everyone, and I’m proud to be part of the team.
What is the most recent show you have worked on? The most recent show I worked on here was 21 Pilots. When it comes to working with the crew, my most recent experience was with Rammstein, where I helped prep equipment at LH2. Both experiences were amazing!
What is your favourite all-time show you have worked on? My favourite show would have to be Adele in Munich. It was a huge event, and it was also memorable because it had the Guinness World Record for the biggest temporary live screen. Adele’s performance was phenomenal.
What do you like about CHAINMASTER? I really appreciate the design and quality of CHAINAMSTER motors. The chain spec is smaller than other brands but still as strong, which makes them more compact and efficient. Additionally, we’ve never had a CHAINMASTER motor malfunction, which says a lot about its quality and durability!
You can choose any artist from the current or past to work with. Who would it be? I would love to work with Leonard Cohen. His music, especially songs like Famous Blue Raincoat, is beautiful, and I think it would have been incredible to be part of his live performances.
What was the last show you went to, that you were not working on? The last show I attended as a fan was Swan Lake, a ballet performance I went to with my mum. For music, the last show I saw was Nick Cave, which was also amazing.
What “Tech” item could you not live without? I couldn’t live without my Leatherman Wave+. It was a gift from my grandma, and it has my name engraved on it. It’s a multi-tool, and I use it regularly for various tasks. It’s not just practical; it’s also very sentimental to me.
It’s your ideal day off. How and where would you spend your time? My ideal day off would be sunny and spent outdoors. I’d start by walking around places like Brick Lane or Camden in the morning when it’s quieter. Then, I’d head to a lovely Italian restaurant in Soho for lunch, followed by some time to relax and read. If there’s a good show in the evening, that would make the day perfect.